Bridge Play

North’s bid of four clubs was a “splinter,” showing a big spade fit, club shortness and slam interest. The idea was to

let South judge how well the partnership hands meshed.

If South had held a hand with no wasted club honors — A Q 652,

A 5 2, 5 4, 9 8 6 — he would have been encouraged. With his actual hand, South signed off at four spades.

West led the queen of hearts, winning, and continued hearts. Declarer ruffed the third heart and led a trump. When West played the ten, South cogitated and, for reasons unknown, put up dummy’s king. A second trump dropped the queen and ace together, and South claimed the rest, making four.

TOO HIGH

“Splinter bids” are useful, but even four spades might have been too high here. When South leads a trump at Trick Four, West can’t gain by playing low; if South has the queen, the defense can get only one trump trick.

West must rise with his ace and lead a fourth heart. Whatever South does, East will score his queen of trumps for down one.

DAILY QUESTION